Amsterdam, Holland

On Friday afternoon, Christian called me to say his soccer game was cancelled for Saturday afternoon and how would I like to go to Amsterdam for the weekend. Of course I would!!! So Saturday morning we packed up our car and a little over 2 hours later, we were in Amsterdam. We booked a room at the Park Hotel http://www.parkhotel.nl/ in downtown Amsterdam. It was a fantastic hotel that we would highly suggest staying at. Just make sure you ask for a room that is not right above a bar - they party until 4:30am!!! Our first order of business was to grab some lunch, so headed across the street to the Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam. Since I have been pregnant, I have been craving bacon and I can't find bacon anywhere here in Brussels and I knew they would have some there. So what did I order, yep, you guessed it, a Bacon Chesseburger w/fries. It was one of the best things...a burger and bacon! Love it. Christian went with another favorite classic, the Club Sandwich. fter stuffing our faces it was off to see the city. We had no plan, just a map and all day to explore. The first thing we came across that blew us away were the amount of bikes in Amsterdam. After looking at the map, we decided it was very important to go take the Ann Frank House Tour. We waited in line for about 30 minutes before going in and it was well worth it. I think I read Ann's diary back in Middle school and going through each room in the house made everything just come to life. It was an amazing experience for both of us. Next it was off to the flower market to see Holland's famous flower, the tulip. The flowers there were so beautiful, if only I could buy some of the bulbs to take back to the US with me.

They also sell other things at the flower market; the picture speaks for itself.

The rest of the day was just spent walking around, enjoying the scenery, all of the beautiful canals and literally trying not to get high as we walked past the coffee shops.

That night we stumbled upon a fantastic little Italian restaurant where we had some great food and a nice chat together. After dinner we headed down to the Red Light District to see what all the hype was about. All I'm going to say is, whatever you have heard or read about the district...it is probably true. Oh my!!

The next morning we had a nice English Breakfast at a cute cafe and then off to the Van Gogh Museum to see the famous paintings. The paintings were amazing to see and to learn about his life was was even better.

We ended our Amsterdam trip by walking past a English/British store. Our eyes lite up like Christmas trees and we ran into the store just in awe of what we were looking at. We bought a few things, like Cheerios, Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup, Pancake Mix & microwave popcorn. We were so excited, until she told us the bill, I almost chocked on my gum but like Christian said it would have probably cost that much if we had someone ship that stuff over to us. Anyways, we are enjoying the food.

We would highly suggest putting Amsterdam on your places to visit list. We had a fantastic time and we hope to make it back there again.

C & M

Brussel Sprout Time

Many of you know already, but for those of you that don't, Christian and I are expecting a little brussel sprout on July 15th. Both of us are extremely excited for our new adventure in life and hope that all of you will also be excited to read about the little one as time goes on. We are not finding out what we are having and we are also not telling anybody what we are naming the baby so all of you can take that off your questionaire :)

We will keep you posted on our progress and update pictures as I grow. I know many of you have already asked so here if the first picture of me showing at 15 weeks.
We love all of you and thank you so much for all the support!
Christian and Meghin

Scrambled Eggs & Feathers

The other morning, Christian decided to make some scrambled eggs for breakfast. He pulled out the container of eggs and found, what do you know, a chicken feather on one of the eggs. He was somewhat disgusted that there was a feather inside of the egg carton. I told him that was normal because almost every other time we get eggs there is a feather somewhere in the carton, I just wash it off before he sees it because I know how he would react.

It is funny in the difference between eggs here in Belgium and back in the USA; I think the FDA would recall all the eggs if someone found a feather in their carton.
Cheers!
Meg & Christian

Last Week in the Good Ole USA

As the last week of being in Michigan approached on us, we still had so many things to do. We spent some time with the Wojtowicz family for the holidays, spending time with Dad Wojtowicz having pizza and then going over to Mom Wojtowicz's house for some lunch. We had a surprise appearance from the Brosky family; Uncle Dennis, Aunt Judy, Brian, Caron & Mason popped in for a visit which was the first time we all got to meet little Mason since they live in San Francisco. What a cutie he is.

Later that week we decided to drive to Toronto to visit some good friends and to bring in the New Year. We stayed with Christian's best friend Chris for a couple of days; thanks Chris for your hospitatlity. On New Year's day, all three of us went over to the Novoa's house to spend some time with them and see one of our favorite girls, Peyton. We all spent equal time playing various games with her; I played Polly Pockets with her while Christian and Chris played some Nintendo game with her. It was so cute.

Jose did his usual "I'm going to cook so much food it will hurt your eyes" routine and prepared a feast of seafood culminating with a paella that left us all...well...stuffed to be exact! Thanks Jose for the meal, your reputation as head chef is well intact.To top off the trip home, Christian along with some of my friends threw me a 30th birthday party. Yes it finally happened, I am now 30!! So many friends and family showed up at the Crow's Nest (thank you Domenic) for some drinks and good times. I will always remember my first big party!! Thank you Christian, I love you!

Back to Belgium where we will have many more adventures to share.

Meg & Christian

Gani Family Christmas

Christmas came and went like no other this year. Maybe it was because we ran all over the place in a short span of time or maybe it was because we have no idea what timezone we were in. Could be a number of things, but all we know was Christmas was amazing this year.

A couple days before Christmas, Christian and I packed up the car and headed down to Burns, Tennessee to visit my brother. He moved down there about a year ago and we wanted to see his place and spend some QT with him. It took us about 9 hours to get there, in part because Christian made the mistake of driving 2 hours out of the way towards Lexington instead of Louisville. Oops!

My brother has been saying for years he was a country boy, but I really didn't believe him since we grew up in Livonia, MI. No country here. But as soon as we pulled in his driveway, I knew he wasn't kidding. He lives out in the sticks where if he fired a shotgun, no one would hear it. He moved down there for a construction job and lives with two other single guys all living the "countryfied" life. His roomates are great and he really seems to love it there. I think he has found his place, although we miss him terribly.

The next day, we drove up to Elizabethtown, KY to spend Christmas with the Gani's. This was the first time that all of Christian's siblings spent the holidays together. It was utterly amazing to see 20 Gani's all in one room together on Christmas Eve. That night all of the grandchildren read a passage from the Bible and Dad Gani told us a beautiful story that gave me chills. It was a special time for all of us! When the dinner bell rang, we all gathered for some meat, meat and more meat as they said. What a spread the Kentucky Gani's put on for all of us. We stuffed our faces until we couldn't eat anymore; by the way Robin, I still want your brocolli salad recipe! Yummy!

After dinner all the boys gathered around the table for some "Gani" talk! What a site to see all of them together! There was a Hrivnak in there as well but we forgave him...

The following morning we all gathered at Aaron & Kathy's for some good eatin' breakfast. It consisted of several other types of meat, with meat biscuits and some meat gravy. I think Aaron even served meat pancakes at one point. Thank you both so much for preparing such a spread!! Christmas with the Gani's this year was a year to remember, in more ways than one! We love you all and hope to be able to carry on this tradition in the future!

Christian & Meghin

Back Home for the Holidays

First of all, my apologies for not updating the site as often as usual. We have been on quite the adventure in the past couple of weeks but are headed back to Brussels soon where more frequent entries will be posted.

So, after being in L.A. for 11 days, it was back to Belgium for 5 whole days before heading back to the US for the holidays. I ended up catching an earlier flight then we had planned because all of my favorite girls had a holiday Christmas evening planned. Since I wanted to be with all of them, I came home early and showed up to the dinner. They didn't know I was coming so it was great to see their faces when I showed up!!

Later that week, Christian was due to come home. That day (Friday) we ended up getting about a foot of snow in Detroit making his travels a bit more interesting but he got home safe nonetheless. To impress Christian with his brawn and sheer skill Bob shovled the driveway most importantly so we could get out of the garage to pick him up at the airport.

On Saturday we had Kristen's 30th birthday party at Herman's in Plymouth which ended up being a great night. Kristen's parents had a stock car racing game that they brought in which we played for hours; first you had to qualify which was complicated but also alot of fun. Christian made it all the way to the final round; he ended up coming in 5th place. Good job Christian.

Christmas came up fast and we had a lot of running around to do. Sunday seemed like a good day to rest!!

Last Day in L.A.

Well today is our last day in beautiful, warm, sunny L.A. We have been here 11 days, so it is time to head back to reality.
This week has been filled with so many fun adventures and memories. Monday I spent the day with Ben (Christian's brother) who happen to be in town the same day. We went out to Venice beach to go check out the water, but just so happens that a terrible fog had rolled in that day and we couldn't see a thing. We felt like we were in the twilight zone! Later that night, Christian, Ben, Dennis (Christian's co-worker) and I headed out the to L.A. Kings vs. Toronto Maples Leafs game. What are the chances that the Leafs play in L.A. that very same week we are in town!! The game was a blast - Leafs won 3 - 1.

Tuesday - Friday Christian was at work, so I spent the day shopping all over L.A. I went to Santa Monica 3rd St. a couple times, Rodeo Drive, the mall and a couple other strip malls along the way. I did all of our Christmas shopping!!!!!! It was so much fun. Rodeo Drive was all decked out for Christmas!

After spending 5 days at the Radisson Inn (don't suggest staying there) we were finally able to check into the Ritz Carleton, Marina Del Rey. Our whole reason for coming out to L.A. was Christian's work Christmas party. This year it was at the Ritz and they gave everyone in the company a hotel room. I have never stayed at a Ritz before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Christian told me to check into the hotel during the day, so off I went. As I pull up to the hotel I am blown away already. Mind you, we are driving a rental Ford Focus. After looking at the cars parked out front, BMW's Mercedes, Ferari & Porche's, I'm a bit embarrassed. I tell the guy that I am leaving soon so not to put the car away, so what does he do....puts it right by all the high end cars. I was so embarrassed!

That weekend was the company Christmas party. We ate, drank and danced the night away. It was a fun trip and I was greatful to be able to spend as much time in L.A. as we did!

America

Sunday morning Christian and I got up really early for our flight to Los Angeles. Our flight from Brussels to Atlanta was 10 hours; longest flight both of us have been on yet. We were pretty tired already when we landed in Atlanta 1 hour late. By the time we got there, we had 30 minutes to clear immigration, get our bags, re-check our bags, clear security and then get from Terminal E to Termnial A before our next flight to LA. Panic set in as there is no way we are going to make the flight. We show up at the gate at 4:30, our flight was due to leave at 4:10, but for some reason the plane was still there and they let us on, last ones before they shut the door! We made it, now another 4.5 hours on a plane.

By the time we reached L.A. (LOVE AMERICA) we had been up for 22 hours. Christian goes to pick up the rental car while I waited for the bags. The bags kept coming and going and guess what...ours never showed. I finally ask for someone about our bags and they tell me they are on the next flight due to arrive in 30 minutes. Tired and hungry Christian says "In N Out Burger?" How can you say no to that? So off we went to enjoy the finest burger in California. That burger and fries was probably the best thing we have ever eaten!!!!

Time to Celebrate

In 1993 while playing in a homecoming soccer match I sprained my left ankle for the first time. Since then – on average – I’ve sprained either ankle almost twice a year. Wednesday at soccer practice while “warming up” I stepped in a rut and rolled my right ankle for what I’m calling the 25th time. That’s right folks, a quarter century of ankle sprains…that’s sayin’ somethin’. My goal by 2010 is to reach the 30 sprain plateau and submit paperwork to the Guiness book of world records.CG

Happy Turkey Day!

We just want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving from across the pond! Our Thanksgiving dinner consisted of an "American" pizza from Dominos's which is just a pepperoni pizza with extra pepperoni & extra mozzerella & an order Kick'n Chicken (Buffalo Wings). The menu here is different from the US, it is kind of funny http://www.dominospizza.be/en/pizza.php. Then for dessert a nice comedy show of the Detroit Lions; what is wrong with that team!
See you all soon.
Love,
C & M

Futbol, or as we call it, Soccer

All of you know that Christian is an avid (chronically injured) soccer player and has played for years and years. We moved here in July so Christian was unable to finish his season back in Michigan with the Livonia Thundercats (by the way took the championship again this year.) Soon after moving, Chrisian got right on the horn to find a team here in Brussels that he could play with. Things take a lot longer around here to figure out, so about 6 weeks ago he finally got the call and said there was room for him on a local British team. He was told to show up at training on Monday and Wednesday of each week and he might get picked up to play once his player pass was approved. I remember the first day he came home from training, he looked as if he had just had his butt kicked. He told me they do no take this lightly and he had his work cut out for him if he was going to get the chance to play.

So for the past 6 weeks he has been training with them and this past week he was finally given the go ahead to play in his first game. We got to the field and it was an absolute mud pit. This is right as the game started (that is CG in the middle)

By half time, Christian was getting pretty dirty.

After half time, it rained, sleeted & then snowed making the field even worse. All the guys were just covered in mud, it was digusting! Anyways, it was a great game, but Christian's team lost 2-0. There is always next week...and more training!

How much would you pay for a Mango?

Christian and I went to our market, like we do every Sunday, and went to our fruit guy to get some yummy fruit. He had some mango cut up and asked us to try a piece. Christian took a piece and his face lite up like a Christmas tree and right away he said "we will take 2." Meanwhile the guy picks up these softball size mangos

and my eyes look at the price, 13.80€/kg. I'm thinking that is pretty expensive, but they are mangoes, how much could they really be? Well, the total came to 28.00€ = $35.00 for two mangoes. By then we were both choking on the price, but Christian said now we have to get them to see how good $35.00 worth of mango is.

We came home and I got to work cutting one up into pieces. It took forever to cut it up because there was so much fruit on the pit.

All in all, it was totally worth the money this one time. We have never tasted anything like it, the mango just melted in your mouth.

Thanks for the Goodies

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to Mike & Jessie for the AWESOME goodies!! Ranch dressing has never tasted so good.

Jessie & Mike Visit Brussels

After being in Paris for a couple days, Mike & Jessie decided to pop over the Brussels to spend a day with us since they were so close. Wednesday morning they took the train from Paris and arrived in Brussels early in the morning.

For lunch I put out large spread of food & wine and we ate until Christian needed to pop open his belt/pants button (the usual sign that everyone has eaten too much). Since we only had a few hours before sun down, we did the quick tour around Brussels. Christian had a co-worker Rebecca in town so she joined us to take in the sites as well.

For a quick snack, we went to Place Jourdain and ordered up some of the best fries in town. Just to give you a good idea how good they are, we usually half to wait 30 minutes in line to order them. The worst part about waiting is watching all the people order them with a cup full of mayo on them - so gross. Christian almost hurls everytime he see it.

After putting back a pound of fries, we drove over to the Atonium to take a quick peak. We debated on going to the top, but after my episode with the Eiffel tower a few days before, we decided not to go up. Hearing the structure creak like a wooden porch as the wind picked up sealed our decision to skip the climb up.We went inside the building for a minute and we came across an old Mini and a classic 1964 Fiat Cinquecento. Right away Christian had an idea... Mike (being 6'4") was ushered over to the tiny car and was (politely) urged to get in and after a few threats from Jessie thought about what life might be like without his left arm. (Yes those are real cars)

Christian went to ask the manager on duty if Mike could get into one of the cars just so we could acutally see if he could fit and to get a quick picture. After some conviencing from Christian and the fact that we were American(sort of), the manager said ok only because "Obama was our President." It is funny how much of an impact Obama has on the world. We had a good laugh...

Later that night, we took them buy Grand Place to grab a quick Leffe before we had dinner at our favorite Lebanese restaurant. We made Mike, Jessie & Rebecca walk in front of us so we could get their reaction - it was priceless (yes, stagged)!One more thing we had to have that night was a Belgian waffle. Christian and I went for the plain and simple, but Jessie and Mike had ice cream, chocolate & bananas! They did it up right.
Lots of fun having all three of you in town. Come back and visit.
Love you all.
C & M